I would never sale on carnival because of the drink package limits every other cruise line offers unlimited packages and I would never pay $15 to ride a roller coaster at sea but other cruise lines are charging for waterslides zip lines race tracks etc so I guess it’s par for the course from now on
You are not charged for 2 drink packages. Just 1 if you are sailing single. The limit is 15 alcoholic drinks all other beverages you can still get unlimited. #ImATraveAdvisor
Unfortunately my fam are on her now and the beds in our balcony cabin are so hard they are unbearable. We travel a lot (only our 2nd cruise though and 1st was NCL Haven) and have never complained about beds!!! They really are unbearable. My TEETH hurt in the morning b/c I’m a stomach sleeper. Never have I ever had this problem.
As a travel agent, we were told the rate if the roller coaster was to discourage kids getting off and right back on. It is to give everyone a chance for the experience. I do believe, as a passenger, everyone should get one ticket "part of the cruise fair"
As an adult I would do that lol, and I did ride it last year during my cruise but only just for the one time experience, it was amazing but not enough to keep paying that price over and over
Just returned from Marti Gras. From major design flaws in safety, comfort, form to basic functionality, we are going back to the Vista Class. ❤️Vista, Horizon and Panorama: This ship is nothing more than a large cargo container ship, the economy of scale only benefiting CCL at the passengers expense. Every sing venue or feature simply doesn’t have the capacity to handle the 5300 to 6300 passengers. As a result one ends up waiting, waiting and waiting for everything or so overcrowded it’s simply NOT enjoyable. In fact, 90% of our “awake time” on the ship was waiting or giving up on the venue overcrowding, simply way too many people. As far as food quality; awful compared to our 50 years of Carnival experience. In fact, we all re-named one eating venue to “Sh*tBang”. Pictures, videos and plenty of case numbers with Guest (NO) Services documenting massive shortcomings and horrible treatment by the staff. If this is Carnival’s future, they will not be in ours and the thousands who stated the same aboard the ship. Mardi Gras is a prototype for the Excel class and unfortunately due to the pandemic the November 2022 arrival date of Celebration is a direct carbon copy of the Marti Gras, now 2 horrible dysfunctional prototypes. If there are not major redesigns to the Jubilee, all 3 ships will need major refitting’s to compete with the 3 Vista Class Ships and growing competition in the cruising industry. The CCL Excell class will destroy Carnivals loyal customer base just as it has done with us and thousands aboard our cruise stating “never again Carnival”. Both the ship and the company are NOT the Carnival we grew to ❤️ over our last 50 years with Carnival. As they say, “all good things must come to an end”, Carnival Cruise Line, sadly, is no exception to that rule.
Just came back from cruising the Mardi Gras. Loved it! I also enjoyed the food. The only critique was with the elevators.. lots of waiting due to the number of people on board. I do agree that some of the venues were small considering the size of the ship.
Just got off of Mardi Gras today. Had a wonderful time. I loved the fact that you didn't have to touch the restroom doors. The only stall that closes slow is the handicapped one. I'm assuming because it allows time for those with assisted devices to enter. The other stalls close normally. The little button on the doors that lead into the dining area and some external doors were definitely a pain at times. Other than that, I have no complaints about the ship. Looking forward to sailing again on her soon.
I enjoy and love to do on a cruise eating, pools, jacuzzis, entertainments, Karaoke, beaches, and family time. Roller Coasters I can passed. Thanks for sharing.
I was on the ship last week and I definitely agree with most of your comments! Our sailing was at 4,000 and we encountered the same issues with the lounges. Most were packed and at capacity. I can't imagine when the ship is at 100%. Also, the pools were mobbed so again, I can't imagine having another 2000on there. Bolt was fun but overpriced. The doors and elevators were certainly a source of wide spread complaints as well. I did find the beds hard and I needed an outlet next to the bed (for a CPAP machine) and it took them 3 days to find an extension cord. I think our biggest issue was the tiered balconies. We were on deck 11 and could see into 3 rows of balconies below us. I've never seen that before. It was a lack of privacy for everyone. All that said, we had a great time regardless.
11/19/22-11/26//2 I’m Just off the Mardi Gras last week, and the doors to the outside are automatic. Our sailing was at full capacity for Thanksgiving over 6,000 guests. I never had to touch these doors. I only had to wave my hands. No problems with the elevators, except being full at times. Loved my Lido deck Balcony on Lowe 16. I was right at the outside door to the pool area Love that!!! The position of Guest Services was kinda weird. Loved all the food options Loved the comedy and piano bar Yes, I plan to cruise the Mardi Gras again( huge ship) a lots more I need to experience Yes, the Mardi Gras is a beautiful ship 😊
I know this is an oldie but I;m on the Gras day after tomorrow! I will let you know! I'm a roller coaster gal, I worked at Six Flags all my teen years and I have season tickets to Sea World and Universal. I'm sure Bolt will be a ride in the park. However, any day on a ship beats 10 days anywhere else.
Yes, you hear $30 whooshing by every 30 seconds or so!🤣😂 my son and I did it twice and both times it was GREAT but both times we though it was still so bizarrely short it was a waste. If you got to go around 3x in one ride that would make it still high (to control demand and generate revenue) but at least easier to rationalize.
We get the Cheers. It also includes soda (not counted in the 15 drinks), bottled water ( take off of ship when walking in port), And specialty coffee at the coffee bar. We do like to drink and have never felt the need for more. With regards to the small venue sizes. We were on Vista and would wait in line (often for 30 minutes) for comedy show, only to be met with a full venue and turned away. Frustrating. We enjoy your videos! Thanks for the info!
@@JSHIPLIFE the venue size is a deal breaker for me. And if I have to start scheduling shit and making reservations ala RCL I'm 100% out. I'll go to Vegas if I want a resort.
Cheers also includes, for example, free milkshakes at Java Blue (or the Promenade Cafe on other Carnival ships). With the usual exceptions (DotD, beer buckets, etc.) it includes almost everything pourable on board.
We were on her January/February. Fully booked. We’re not able to get a seat in any comedy show. HATED having to get to Grand Central an hour and a half earl just to get a good seat.
Loved your vid and I am a subscriber. I love love love roller coasters but realized that I don't want to hear a coaster on a cruise vacation. I love the sound of the ocean. Great channel, thanks.
I can attest to this. We just finished a cruise on the Breeze and yeah, it was horrible having to go through the casino just to get to where we needed to go.
Pretty sure thats on purpose lol. RCCL ships In the other hand.. were not that obnoxious.. but yes.. you had to go trough the casino everytime you wanted to go from the main theater to the ICE theater in the OASIS class.
I just got off the Mardi Gras What he is saying regarding the layout of the ship is true, going through the 7th floor will lead you through the casino, I guess this the way to lead everyone to gamble. And the complaint i had regarding to lido breakfast is there was no hashbrown being served there, the only place you can get that was at Palms dining area.
I think the roller coaster should be included in your cruise fare, that’s ridiculous to charge extra! Maybe in your cabin you would have one free ticket per guest only good for that week. Thanks for the info
Make sure guest make a big stink to CEO. It should be part of the fare and giving every guest a one time ticket is good all can ride. This is why I don't go on NCL because they charge for racing and a few other things including $40 for electronic darts and you have to pay fir neon golf on the prima
I sail on Carnival all the time as a solo guest. YES I pay for 2 for the room. I also get the cheers and only pay for one drink package. It is only if I had a second person over 21 that I would have to for 2 cheers . Thanks for all you do!!! Always a great clips
$5 was my pick as well. 3 for $15 is very good idea for a 15 “second” ride!!! I saw your video on the ride, very short for sure, I noticed that as well. Tricky business about beverage selections. Just love how you swiftly maneuver through all the topics effortlessly, good job!!!
@@trailblazing2002 Correct. Putting that in a video about Mardi Gras is kinda silly. If someone's THAT much of a lush, they can happily go on Norwegian or Royal.
and if you are sailing from Texas the drink package does not kick in until the day after you depart! they claim you are not being charged but if you do the math you are. Next cruise I am going to forgo the drink package which was a waste of my money. I found myself ordering drinks and not even finishing them because I needed to get my money's worth.
@@rusamaryh1398 I don’t under stand why carnival can’t use the drink package on the first day but Royal drink package starts the minute you walk in the door. What’s the difference? Both are ships are leaving Galveston, TEXAS on same port & sometimes on the same day. Please someone help me understand!
Just got off the mardi gras ship yesterday, my bolt ride was canceled. It was rumored the roller coaster kept losing parts. I still don’t know if it’s true. Also the theaters are small and the shows were overpacked without enough seating. You would have to arrive to the shows 2 hours early to have a seat.
First time watching one of your youtube videos Jay. I love your sense of humor and your voice is easy to listen to. Love the suggestions to correct the cost of the rollercoaster. Love them but wouldnt pay 15.00 more than once. Going to search your other videos. We have only cruised Royal Caribbean because all our cruises have been so memorable but could be swayed to cruise others. Thank you for your videos and your great sense of humor. Take care
Drink package for $800 for two passengers on a week-long cruise. I'll skip it and use the money well spent on a constellation of port excursions. For planning purposes, I'm set on the Mardi Gras for the September 11th sailing.
Talking about the drinks package… there are also people who will be drunk after only 3 or 4 drinks… so limiting the number of drinks that you are allowed on the package seems pointless from the perspective of trying to avoid people being drunk. Xx
If I drink 3 oz of wine I am drunk so the drinks package isn’t for me and I have heard that my husband would also have to buy a package as well so we don’t need to buy it but if others want it that is fine with us
Yes thats me. It only take me 1 to 2 drinks and I'm buzzing. Especially if its strong then just 1. It may be a waste of money for me but I am going to try it for the first time this October. That way I dont have to worry about a budget for my drinks
I think the limit is really just to limit the money they lose from sharing. No matter what they do some people are going to find ways to share the drink package with people in other cabins. So by having a cutoff that 80% of people can live with they limit the abuse potential. That’s all.
Thank you for all the great insights. We're going in February. As a family of 4, we were disapointed to see the cost and SHORT time of Bolt. We'll only pay for our kids to ride it twice. It would be great if Carnival would hear people and develop some sort of a package or discount. As a family ship, they should have thought that through more.
@@mindyschocolate I personally do not have any interest in going on a Disney cruise. Carnival has always been ideal for my family as I have older kids. Thanks for the thought though.
Sailed the Mardi Gras week two and yes yes yes you hit on some good ones, the elevators, the bathroom doors and we ended up not going to some of the venues due to Covid.
I love the Mardi Gras, sailed twice and sailing again in October. Shaq's Big Chicken, Emeril, Chibang, Steakhouse and Guy's. You can enter the non smoking casino without going thru the smoking section.
I was on this ship when it was less than half full, right at the beginning when people started sailing after COVID, even then it felt completely crowded. I am about to go again but very worried about how full the ship will be. Lines were so long even at less than half full. Carnival keeps making bigger ships and adding more rooms but they're forgetting to add larger areas for the people to enjoy the ship....
Just on Mardi gras over Christmas with over 5300-5500 people on board. Capacity was not limited for our cruise. Or the New Year cruise. Lines for the comedy shows, rooms filled, atrium was always full so never went there just walked through. Casino was made non smoking so that was nice. But many of your points were accurate. There never seemed to be anything to eat but pizza after 9pm. Lido buffet was always deserted after 8 pm.
I can understand changing up the elevators… i was on a carnival cruise before and there were groups of kids packing the elevators and just riding them up and down and when the doors would open they would laugh and point at u… they would do this fir about an hour
I agree with you 100% with what you said about Bolt. Charging $15 for one 20 second ride is absolutely ridiculous and I love Carnival. Charging $15 for 3 rides seems fair or make the ride go around the track 3 times at least for $15, that would be fine. I heard they were going to up the fee to $50 after the inaugural season.
From my experiences with the drink package you stopped at your 14th drink. Anything after you asked to purchase the drink rather than use the last drink. That way they didn’t cut you off. That’s how I always did it. Now maybe they changed that I haven’t been on a ship in awhile. I’ll find out soon
@Justin - you knocked it out of the park with points 5-10. Those are some issues that Carnival brass need to address. Thanks 😊 for a well thought out review!
A tip for those with the drink package that plan to drink more than 15 drinks in a day. When you get to drink #14, ask to be charged. You can still "buy" drinks before the 15 drink limit. Or ..... have your friends buy you drinks and you pay them back. Personally, I have no problem with cutting people off after 15 alcohol drinks.
Good video, I would have like to hear more about the quality of the food that's in clouded and atmosphere you brought out some good points about possible overcrowding I hope I don't encounter this on my Cruz in February. I'll write my review when I get back.
A lot of these HATED things apply to most all cruise ships, (Walking thru casino to get somewhere, 15 drink limit, elevator issues, venues crowded) However, I do agree with the charge for the Bolt is Ridiculous! I do appreciate your positive vibe during a Neg. Review 😊
YOU got a nice compliment today on a Podcast !!!! I was listening to Always Be Booked with Tommy Casabona and he mentioned you ! He said some really nice things. You should listen. :-)
I have the Podcast app on my Iphone and it's just called Always Be Booked Cruise Podcast. I couldn't believe when he mentioned you ! Let me know if you cannot find it
Cheers pkg is worth it if you're going to have at least 5-7 alcoholic drinks per day. It pays for itself in that case. In addition, the 15 drink limit does NOT count all of the non-alcoholic specialty drinks that you would normally have to pay for (ie. specialty coffees, shakes, rockstar drinks, etc.). Those are included. For my husband & I, it's totally worth it and we get it every time we cruise.
Wow, what's that feature on your video called? When I drag the little red ball across, I'm getting captions (clear and legible!) under the box, like a bookmark or something.
Some of these things I found to be an issue on Royal's Oasis class. A jazz club that seats 50? We missed out on shows a few times. Only pizza for late night food. Slow automatic doors. It's like ship designers don't actually cruise
Just got off the Mardi Gras yesterday and here are my thoughts Protocols - we had to wear masks in elevators, waiting to be seated in restaurant, shops and also in entertainment venues. Did not have to wear them in pool or lounging on Serenity deck. Service - service was very good, never had to wait to be seated at a dining venue and our food came out in a timely manner. Doors - they pretty much open now automatically without having to touch a button. Occasionally you would have to touch the green button but that was only a few times. Elevators - I agree they are small, but they were fast and there were plenty of them. Really never waited more than a minute to get one. The button situation was ridiculous not being able to press more than 4 at a time. Also the location of the buttons was weird as they are located on the side of the elevator instead of the front. Food - The fast food choices on board are plentiful and good. Was very disappointed in the main dining room food as it was very tasteless, hardly any type of seasoning other than the lobster which was good. Also want to mention the Italian restaurant was very good. Room - I was in a balcony and the room was a good size except the bathroom was the smallest one I’ve ever had. Hard to believe that with a ship as big as this one is they downsized the bathrooms. I’m not sure how larger cruisers will be able to fit. I will mention I like the glass door to the shower. The water pressure however is not what I’m used to on other ships, it was not really that good. It could have been just our deck as I was on the 14th deck as I spoke to another passenger and her water pressure was good. All and all I had a good time and I will be back on her again on September 11!
Sadly following the same business model as NCL. In my mind i'm paying for this cruise why are all the fun things extra!!! $15 for 20 seconds is ridiculous!!!! Missed the mark, there Carnival!
We cruised in Nov 21, poor suite service to darn big!! I did like the all reservations dining and not too many upcharge for specialty dining.Food not as good as other cruiselines.
It sounds like the elevator, doors and bathroom situations would be a real inconvenience. As for the alcohol drink package, I wish cruise lines would come up with a tiered approach. If they are going to cap at 15 then why can’t they cap at 5, 10 or 20 as well? I don’t drink alcohol very often so when I have traveled with those that do, I have to purchase the package as well. I end up trying various drinks, having a few sips then the rest goes to waste or to whomever I am traveling with.
It looked as if the vlogger didn't use the actuator inside the bathroom to close the door. It closes the door AND flags the bathroom as occupied. (Red light displays outside.) A bit surprising of an omission, there.
The casino was strategically placed. They want you to walk thru hoping you will spend money and gamble. It is brilliant design. Agreed the drink package cutoff is BS. Not having a gala "Midnight Buffet" is also BS. Door buttons are stupid. You are 100% correct on Bolt.
The 15 drink limit not only applies to the Cheers package. Even if you dont purchase Cheers and just pay as you go for your drinks they still will not sell you any more once you reach 15 each day. This is fleet wide, not only on the Mardi Gras.
I have no desire to sail with a person that’s drank more than 15 drinks. Haha. I do agree with the smoke in the casino. It reminded me of the Legend. It has the same problem.
Hey J🙋🏾♀️ was thinking about a short Bahamas cruise, can you do a lil do's and dont's video and the best ship to take on that cruise. I want to take my mom, she needs it. 🤗
I was also on the first sailing, and I agree with most of what you said but as far as cutting through the casino, you don’t have to cut through the smoking section. There is also a non smoking section and you can cut through that side.
There’s no such thing as a non-smoking section when there is a smoking section, though. Any non-smoker who lived through the era of “non-smoking” sections of restaurants knows this. 😂
I was on the Marti Gras for Carnival’s 50th anniversary. It was a great cruise, my only complaint was the elevators being too small and there was times where we wanted to go to the Punchliner and we couldn’t get in because it was full. But there was well over 5000 passengers on the ship so it was quite crowded. But other than that, we really enjoyed the cruise. I really liked the Fortune Teller bar and I like that there’s more dining options, like if you don’t feel like dressing up for elegant night, you can go to the Chibang or the Cucina Del Capitano. I really liked the Bolt roller coaster too, it would be nice if we went around more than twice because going around twice is less than a minute but I understand that that will give everyone that wants to try it a chance to ride it.
As much as I love roller coasters (annual pass holder BG), I don't think I would spend $15 for a single ride. Actually it would be $30 for me, can't leave my daughter just watching lol.. Carnival should definitely offer some type of package.
Agree! My son and I did it and it was the weirdest thing. As quickly as we could enjoy it and say, “weeee this is cool!” It was over. $30 for us both to ride. That’s like a dollar a second. It is great but for a dollar a second it just feels wrong. We LOVED it. But ????
Kind of scary about the extra doors that you were required to press a button to open. I’m reminded of the tragedy that was the Costa Concordia where the power went out and over 25 people were stuck in elevators and never rescued - basically the ship flooded and they were trapped and perished. Power driven doors are just another spot where evacuation problems could arise. There needs to be obvious emergency release lever where passengers could manually open the door if needed. This is surely not just a Mardi Gras issue, but a design issue for all passenger vessels. On a second note regarding the entertainment venues, ships are getting so large that spaces aren’t able to scale properly. Pandemics make the crowd issue a hazard and not just an inconvenience. Hopefully cruise companies will not continue to build these XL ships. I went on an Oasis class RCL cruise just before the pandemic and had to reserve every night’s entertainment well in advance of the cruise to be able to get in. For me having to overly schedule vacation activities makes it seem more like “to do’s” than a vacay. I also can’t imagine evacuating vessels this size. Concordia took 6 hours. There’s probably an optimum size that balances safety, passenger enjoyment and operational efficiency. Cruise lines need to carefully consider all three criteria. My 2 cents fwiw.
Exactly. Pros and cons about everything. And NCL washy washy was way before covid. Was on the Gem in 2017. I wouldn’t have minded being served at the buffet. Less hands on the tongs. I see what you’re saying about the casinos. They all always smack in the middle. Would go up or down to walk across. Ships need to start positioning casinos in the front or back so do t have to walk through. The drink package? I think 15 a day is good. Some folks get ridiculous. Didn’t get having to touch a button to open the doors like you say especially in these covid times. That bathroom door issue would be a problem. Yessssss. Good idea. $15 for 3 rides. 20 seconds is quick. Nickel and dime ing. Great video Jay.
The reason they casino's are there is to draw you kn once the shows are over .It's the same in Las Vegas and all about making money. It's a ploy they used . Some other companies like NCL and Princess do the same with some ships.
Was there anything you hated you about the Carnival Mardi Gras? Please sure to LIKE, COMMENT & SHARE this video!
I'll tell you in November after I sail on her!
I would never sale on carnival because of the drink package limits every other cruise line offers unlimited packages and I would never pay $15 to ride a roller coaster at sea but other cruise lines are charging for waterslides zip lines race tracks etc so I guess it’s par for the course from now on
You are not charged for 2 drink packages. Just 1 if you are sailing single. The limit is 15 alcoholic drinks all other beverages you can still get unlimited. #ImATraveAdvisor
@@selinamk3233 exactly i don’t want to be told that’s enough i know how to pace myself and can absolutely have more then 15 in one day
Unfortunately my fam are on her now and the beds in our balcony cabin are so hard they are unbearable. We travel a lot (only our 2nd cruise though and 1st was NCL Haven) and have never complained about beds!!! They really are unbearable. My TEETH hurt in the morning b/c I’m a stomach sleeper. Never have I ever had this problem.
As a travel agent, we were told the rate if the roller coaster was to discourage kids getting off and right back on. It is to give everyone a chance for the experience. I do believe, as a passenger, everyone should get one ticket "part of the cruise fair"
As an adult I would do that lol, and I did ride it last year during my cruise but only just for the one time experience, it was amazing but not enough to keep paying that price over and over
Just returned from Marti Gras. From major design flaws in safety, comfort, form to basic functionality, we are going back to the Vista Class. ❤️Vista, Horizon and Panorama:
This ship is nothing more than a large cargo container ship, the economy of scale only benefiting CCL at the passengers expense.
Every sing venue or feature simply doesn’t have the capacity to handle the 5300 to 6300 passengers. As a result one ends up waiting, waiting and waiting for everything or so overcrowded it’s simply NOT enjoyable.
In fact, 90% of our “awake time” on the ship was waiting or giving up on the venue overcrowding, simply way too many people.
As far as food quality; awful compared to our 50 years of Carnival experience.
In fact, we all re-named one eating venue to “Sh*tBang”.
Pictures, videos and plenty of case numbers with Guest (NO) Services documenting massive shortcomings and horrible treatment by the staff.
If this is Carnival’s future, they will not be in ours and the thousands who stated the same aboard the ship.
Mardi Gras is a prototype for the Excel class and unfortunately due to the pandemic the November 2022 arrival date of Celebration is a direct carbon copy of the Marti Gras, now 2 horrible dysfunctional prototypes.
If there are not major redesigns to the Jubilee, all 3 ships will need major refitting’s to compete with the 3 Vista Class Ships and growing competition in the cruising industry.
The CCL Excell class will destroy Carnivals loyal customer base just as it has done with us and thousands aboard our cruise stating “never again Carnival”.
Both the ship and the company are NOT the Carnival we grew to ❤️ over our last 50 years with Carnival. As they say, “all good things must come to an end”, Carnival Cruise Line, sadly, is no exception to that rule.
Just came back from cruising the Mardi Gras. Loved it! I also enjoyed the food. The only critique was with the elevators.. lots of waiting due to the number of people on board. I do agree that some of the venues were small considering the size of the ship.
You killed me witht the Shak meal bathroom issue. 😂😂🤣 Brilliant!
This is why I watch your stuff.
I liked his part about kids with booger covered hands touching all the elevator buttons!
Just got off of Mardi Gras today. Had a wonderful time. I loved the fact that you didn't have to touch the restroom doors. The only stall that closes slow is the handicapped one. I'm assuming because it allows time for those with assisted devices to enter. The other stalls close normally. The little button on the doors that lead into the dining area and some external doors were definitely a pain at times. Other than that, I have no complaints about the ship. Looking forward to sailing again on her soon.
I was on the Aug. 14 voyage
I enjoy and love to do on a cruise eating, pools, jacuzzis, entertainments, Karaoke, beaches, and family time. Roller Coasters I can passed. Thanks for sharing.
I love these videos Jay, I can’t wait until your next cruise, you’re vlogs and reviews are so thorough and enjoyable to watch!
Love the updated Mardi Gras. She's come along way and is beautiful. My first cruise was on the Mardi Gras in 1990!
The original was sold to Epirotiki in 1993 and scrapped in 2003 .
Great video - we're headed out on the Mardi Gras in December and I am SO excited !!
I just got back this past Saturday. Completely loved it!
I was on the ship last week and I definitely agree with most of your comments! Our sailing was at 4,000 and we encountered the same issues with the lounges. Most were packed and at capacity. I can't imagine when the ship is at 100%. Also, the pools were mobbed so again, I can't imagine having another 2000on there. Bolt was fun but overpriced. The doors and elevators were certainly a source of wide spread complaints as well. I did find the beds hard and I needed an outlet next to the bed (for a CPAP machine) and it took them 3 days to find an extension cord. I think our biggest issue was the tiered balconies. We were on deck 11 and could see into 3 rows of balconies below us. I've never seen that before. It was a lack of privacy for everyone. All that said, we had a great time regardless.
wine away
Yes the beds were extremely hard and uncomfortable
Yes the balconies were weird. We were on deck 17 so we had privacy, but we could see everyone below us.
If traveling with medical devices, bring your own extension. With an Lvad for myself and oxygen machine for my companion it is just common sense.
This is such a lovely channel. You are very good at what you do. I wish you great success.
Bubble gut 😂😂 Great video, funny and informative. We are cruising on the Mardi Gras soon, appreciate the info.
11/19/22-11/26//2
I’m Just off the Mardi Gras last week, and the doors to the outside are automatic.
Our sailing was at full capacity for Thanksgiving over 6,000 guests.
I never had to touch these doors. I only had to wave my hands.
No problems with the elevators, except being full at times.
Loved my Lido deck Balcony on Lowe 16. I was right at the outside door to the pool area Love that!!!
The position of Guest Services was kinda weird.
Loved all the food options
Loved the comedy and piano bar
Yes, I plan to cruise the Mardi Gras again( huge ship) a lots more I need to experience
Yes, the Mardi Gras is a beautiful ship 😊
I know this is an oldie but I;m on the Gras day after tomorrow! I will let you know! I'm a roller coaster gal, I worked at Six Flags all my teen years and I have season tickets to Sea World and Universal. I'm sure Bolt will be a ride in the park. However, any day on a ship beats 10 days anywhere else.
It also doesn't make sense that 2 people can ride Bolt at once, but both have to pay $15.
Good point!
Yes, you hear $30 whooshing by every 30 seconds or so!🤣😂 my son and I did it twice and both times it was GREAT but both times we though it was still so bizarrely short it was a waste. If you got to go around 3x in one ride that would make it still high (to control demand and generate revenue) but at least easier to rationalize.
We get the Cheers. It also includes soda (not counted in the 15 drinks), bottled water ( take off of ship when walking in port),
And specialty coffee at the coffee bar.
We do like to drink and have never felt the need for more.
With regards to the small venue sizes. We were on Vista and would wait in line (often for 30 minutes) for comedy show, only to be met with a full venue and turned away. Frustrating.
We enjoy your videos! Thanks for the info!
Agreed. The opinion on the drinks package is definitely subjective for sure!
They should really do something about their venues!
@@JSHIPLIFE the venue size is a deal breaker for me. And if I have to start scheduling shit and making reservations ala RCL I'm 100% out. I'll go to Vegas if I want a resort.
We get the drink package and is worth it. Like said befor includes all drinks and does count against you alcohol drinks.
Cheers also includes, for example, free milkshakes at Java Blue (or the Promenade Cafe on other Carnival ships). With the usual exceptions (DotD, beer buckets, etc.) it includes almost everything pourable on board.
We were on her January/February. Fully booked. We’re not able to get a seat in any comedy show. HATED having to get to Grand Central an hour and a half earl just to get a good seat.
I hated how early they closed the hot tubs. Seemed like the only time it was open was while the sun was out and the temperature outside was hot.
Loved your vid and I am a subscriber. I love love love roller coasters but realized that I don't want to hear a coaster on a cruise vacation. I love the sound of the ocean. Great channel, thanks.
Having to go through the casino to get to the "fun" on the ship is a common thing on all Carnival cruise ships, not just the Mardi Gras.
I can attest to this. We just finished a cruise on the Breeze and yeah, it was horrible having to go through the casino just to get to where we needed to go.
Just like Vegas!
The RC Grandeur of the Sea is the same way.
Pretty sure thats on purpose lol.
RCCL ships In the other hand.. were not that obnoxious.. but yes.. you had to go trough the casino everytime you wanted to go from the main theater to the ICE theater in the OASIS class.
No chance to go through the outside deck?...On all Princess ships, it works like that...
I just got off the Mardi Gras
What he is saying regarding the layout of the ship is true, going through the 7th floor will lead you through the casino, I guess this the way to lead everyone to gamble. And the complaint i had regarding to lido breakfast is there was no hashbrown being served there, the only place you can get that was at Palms dining area.
I think the roller coaster should be included in your cruise fare, that’s ridiculous to charge extra! Maybe in your cabin you would have one free ticket per guest only good for that week. Thanks for the info
Make sure guest make a big stink to CEO. It should be part of the fare and giving every guest a one time ticket is good all can ride. This is why I don't go on NCL because they charge for racing and a few other things including $40 for electronic darts and you have to pay fir neon golf on the prima
We went in Mardi gras in April and I agree with all of your points. Thanks for the video!
I sail on Carnival all the time as a solo guest. YES I pay for 2 for the room. I also get the cheers and only pay for one drink package.
It is only if I had a second person over 21 that I would have to for 2 cheers . Thanks for all you do!!! Always a great clips
$5 was my pick as well. 3 for $15 is very good idea for a 15 “second” ride!!! I saw your video on the ride, very short for sure, I noticed that as well. Tricky business about beverage selections. Just love how you swiftly maneuver through all the topics effortlessly, good job!!!
The drink package is universal for ALL Carnival ships though. Not just singled out to the Matdi Gras.
Carnival has now limited it to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours no matter if you have the cheers package or not
@@12a76842 it's always been that way. I've been cruising with them for 5 years. Nothing has changed about the limit.
@@trailblazing2002 Correct. Putting that in a video about Mardi Gras is kinda silly.
If someone's THAT much of a lush, they can happily go on Norwegian or Royal.
and if you are sailing from Texas the drink package does not kick in until the day after you depart! they claim you are not being charged but if you do the math you are. Next cruise I am going to forgo the drink package which was a waste of my money. I found myself ordering drinks and not even finishing them because I needed to get my money's worth.
@@rusamaryh1398 I don’t under stand why carnival can’t use the drink package on the first day but Royal drink package starts the minute you walk in the door. What’s the difference? Both are ships are leaving Galveston, TEXAS on same port & sometimes on the same day. Please someone help me understand!
Thanks for the insight. Will be on her in October.
Just got off the mardi gras ship yesterday, my bolt ride was canceled. It was rumored the roller coaster kept losing parts. I still don’t know if it’s true. Also the theaters are small and the shows were overpacked without enough seating. You would have to arrive to the shows 2 hours early to have a seat.
The thing I hated the most about the Mardi Gras was I WASNT ON IT! Looked like a good time.
Jay, thats a great idea for Bolt. My opinion is 15.00 is kinda high for 20 seconds. I love roller coasters so a package deal would be great
Although I cruised the original Mardi Gras, I won't be crushing this one. 6500 pax is way too many for me!
I agree with a package for$15.00 but, not a single ride
Your channel is growing nicely! With good reason.
First time watching one of your youtube videos Jay. I love your sense of humor and your voice is easy to listen to. Love the suggestions to correct the cost of the rollercoaster. Love them but wouldnt pay 15.00 more than once. Going to search your other videos. We have only cruised Royal Caribbean because all our cruises have been so memorable but could be swayed to cruise others. Thank you for your videos and your great sense of humor. Take care
Drink package for $800 for two passengers on a week-long cruise. I'll skip it and use the money well spent on a constellation of port excursions. For planning purposes, I'm set on the Mardi Gras for the September 11th sailing.
That's the one we were on.
Talking about the drinks package… there are also people who will be drunk after only 3 or 4 drinks… so limiting the number of drinks that you are allowed on the package seems pointless from the perspective of trying to avoid people being drunk. Xx
Exactly
The drink limit has been the Carnival policy across the fleet for many years.
If I drink 3 oz of wine I am drunk so the drinks package isn’t for me and I have heard that my husband would also have to buy a package as well so we don’t need to buy it but if others want it that is fine with us
Yes thats me. It only take me 1 to 2 drinks and I'm buzzing. Especially if its strong then just 1. It may be a waste of money for me but I am going to try it for the first time this October. That way I dont have to worry about a budget for my drinks
I think the limit is really just to limit the money they lose from sharing. No matter what they do some people are going to find ways to share the drink package with people in other cabins. So by having a cutoff that 80% of people can live with they limit the abuse potential. That’s all.
Great info.. thanks for this video Jay!
Thanks we’re sailing in October
You can hear/feel the roller coaster all day in the buffet area. I was so confused about what that noise was for the first 3 days.
Thank you for all the great insights. We're going in February. As a family of 4, we were disapointed to see the cost and SHORT time of Bolt. We'll only pay for our kids to ride it twice. It would be great if Carnival would hear people and develop some sort of a package or discount. As a family ship, they should have thought that through more.
They need to just not charge for it at all. If a person is plopping down $3,4, or5 grand for a vacation it should be included in the fare.
Carnival isn’t a family cruise line. They’re a party cruise line. You want family go with Disney.
@@mindyschocolate I personally do not have any interest in going on a Disney cruise. Carnival has always been ideal for my family as I have older kids. Thanks for the thought though.
Sailed the Mardi Gras week two and yes yes yes you hit on some good ones, the elevators, the bathroom doors and we ended up not going to some of the venues due to Covid.
I love the Mardi Gras, sailed twice and sailing again in October. Shaq's Big Chicken, Emeril, Chibang, Steakhouse and Guy's. You can enter the non smoking casino without going thru the smoking section.
The buffet on my cruise on Mardi Gras was about empty there was only one section with any food breakfast and dinner
I was on this ship when it was less than half full, right at the beginning when people started sailing after COVID, even then it felt completely crowded. I am about to go again but very worried about how full the ship will be. Lines were so long even at less than half full. Carnival keeps making bigger ships and adding more rooms but they're forgetting to add larger areas for the people to enjoy the ship....
Just on Mardi gras over Christmas with over 5300-5500 people on board. Capacity was not limited for our cruise. Or the New Year cruise. Lines for the comedy shows, rooms filled, atrium was always full so never went there just walked through. Casino was made non smoking so that was nice. But many of your points were accurate. There never seemed to be anything to eat but pizza after 9pm. Lido buffet was always deserted after 8 pm.
I can understand changing up the elevators… i was on a carnival cruise before and there were groups of kids packing the elevators and just riding them up and down and when the doors would open they would laugh and point at u… they would do this fir about an hour
Your complaint about deck 7 was so true over a decade ago on Carnival. It’s the reason I won’t cruise on Carnival, too many asthmatics in my family.
I agree with you 100% with what you said about Bolt. Charging $15 for one 20 second ride is absolutely ridiculous and I love Carnival. Charging $15 for 3 rides seems fair or make the ride go around the track 3 times at least for $15, that would be fine. I heard they were going to up the fee to $50 after the inaugural season.
Is it $15 per person or per ride?
GREAT JOB!! Good Report J.
Thanks!!
Just saw a POV video posted yesterday from someone who rode Bolt, and they DID get two laps, not just one.
Maybe they changed it. For the inaugural it was only one lap
The door segment was hilarious. Great review j
Very useful information. Thank you!
From my experiences with the drink package you stopped at your 14th drink. Anything after you asked to purchase the drink rather than use the last drink. That way they didn’t cut you off. That’s how I always did it. Now maybe they changed that I haven’t been on a ship in awhile. I’ll find out soon
The Bolt was closed more than it was open when I cruised on the Mardi Gras. Never got to ride it.
Idk if it’s been said but when I went on carnival they had the deli and that was open all night As well as the pizza and room service
I love your idea abut the bolt ride package.
Great video! I’ll be on her in February…hoping they iron out these kinks beforehand.
Great content. I am sailing in the Mardi gras Nov 2022. Hopefully by then Bolt price will come down.
Yep, public area bathroom’s with handicapped doors on every ship I have been on, take WAY TOO LONG to close.
Had a wonderful time on this ship 3 weeks ago .. it was an amazing experience ❤
15 drink limit, is not just the cheers, it is a ship wide rule, so if you don't have the drink package you still only get 15
Some valid points...new subscriber...we cruise on the Mardi Gras in May 2022
@Justin - you knocked it out of the park with points 5-10. Those are some issues that Carnival brass need to address. Thanks 😊 for a well thought out review!
A tip for those with the drink package that plan to drink more than 15 drinks in a day. When you get to drink #14, ask to be charged. You can still "buy" drinks before the 15 drink limit. Or ..... have your friends buy you drinks and you pay them back. Personally, I have no problem with cutting people off after 15 alcohol drinks.
You do a great job. Keep it up
b-boy blues lol 1st time reading about that life back in 90s lol.
Good video, I would have like to hear more about the quality of the food that's in clouded and atmosphere you brought out some good points about possible overcrowding I hope I don't encounter this on my Cruz in February. I'll write my review when I get back.
I think walking through the casino is the normal route on Carnival. It’s been that way on 4 Carnival ships I’ve been on.
I know a lot of people wish they would change that!
Carnival is so cheap because they get their profits from the casinos. That’s why they want you to walk through it.
I agree with the $5.00 a ride or 3 for the $15.00. We'll be sailing on Mardi Gras in January of 2024
A lot of these HATED things apply to most all cruise ships, (Walking thru casino to get somewhere, 15 drink limit, elevator issues, venues crowded) However, I do agree with the charge for the Bolt is Ridiculous!
I do appreciate your positive vibe during a Neg. Review 😊
Agreed on that and the positive vibes. Sounds like there were 100 great things and 10 nitpicky things. 🤙
Excellent observations. Thanks much for the info.
The casino placement is like the gift shop is at the end of the theme ride. You gotta go through it to get out. 🤣🇺🇸
I’m going on it Saturday any tips to make it easier I’m a gold fvip but ive never been on this big of a ship
Just got off the Mardi Gras loved it
Another reason to go Royal Caribbean-Guest services and casino are at basic areas and easy to find!
YOU got a nice compliment today on a Podcast !!!! I was listening to Always Be Booked with Tommy Casabona and he mentioned you ! He said some really nice things. You should listen. :-)
Really!?!? Is there a link?
I have the Podcast app on my Iphone and it's just called Always Be Booked Cruise Podcast. I couldn't believe when he mentioned you ! Let me know if you cannot find it
@@pam863 I haven’t been able to. Where can I find it?
@@JSHIPLIFE Try to Google this Always be booked cruise podcast Episode 1: 154 The Vacation WITHIN
@@JSHIPLIFE Let me know if you still can’t find it maybe I could get on Facebook and somehow send you a link
Cheers pkg is worth it if you're going to have at least 5-7 alcoholic drinks per day. It pays for itself in that case. In addition, the 15 drink limit does NOT count all of the non-alcoholic specialty drinks that you would normally have to pay for (ie. specialty coffees, shakes, rockstar drinks, etc.). Those are included. For my husband & I, it's totally worth it and we get it every time we cruise.
You crack me up!!! i would love to cruise with you ! hahahhah
Wow, what's that feature on your video called? When I drag the little red ball across, I'm getting captions (clear and legible!) under the box, like a bookmark or something.
I believe it’s just called bookmarking. TH-cam implemented that feature earlier this year
@@JSHIPLIFE Love it!
@@ecoquilting7077 Thank you!
Some of these things I found to be an issue on Royal's Oasis class. A jazz club that seats 50? We missed out on shows a few times. Only pizza for late night food. Slow automatic doors. It's like ship designers don't actually cruise
Just got off the Mardi Gras yesterday and here are my thoughts
Protocols - we had to wear masks in elevators, waiting to be seated in restaurant, shops and also in entertainment venues. Did not have to wear them in pool or lounging on Serenity deck.
Service - service was very good, never had to wait to be seated at a dining venue and our food came out in a timely manner.
Doors - they pretty much open now automatically without having to touch a button. Occasionally you would have to touch the green button but that was only a few times.
Elevators - I agree they are small, but they were fast and there were plenty of them. Really never waited more than a minute to get one. The button situation was ridiculous not being able to press more than 4 at a time. Also the location of the buttons was weird as they are located on the side of the elevator instead of the front.
Food - The fast food choices on board are plentiful and good. Was very disappointed in the main dining room food as it was very tasteless, hardly any type of seasoning other than the lobster which was good. Also want to mention the Italian restaurant was very good.
Room - I was in a balcony and the room was a good size except the bathroom was the smallest one I’ve ever had. Hard to believe that with a ship as big as this one is they downsized the bathrooms. I’m not sure how larger cruisers will be able to fit. I will mention I like the glass door to the shower. The water pressure however is not what I’m used to on other ships, it was not really that good. It could have been just our deck as I was on the 14th deck as I spoke to another passenger and her water pressure was good.
All and all I had a good time and I will be back on her again on September 11!
Love your channel. Thank you.
I remember those washy washy guys on NCL I have to save this video and show my wife
I wouldn’t spend 15.00 for a 20 second ride
Me neither
Sadly following the same business model as NCL. In my mind i'm paying for this cruise why are all the fun things extra!!! $15 for 20 seconds is ridiculous!!!! Missed the mark, there Carnival!
Me neizer
We cruised in Nov 21, poor suite service to darn big!! I did like the all reservations dining and not too many upcharge for specialty dining.Food not as good as other cruiselines.
It sounds like the elevator, doors and bathroom situations would be a real inconvenience. As for the alcohol drink package, I wish cruise lines would come up with a tiered approach. If they are going to cap at 15 then why can’t they cap at 5, 10 or 20 as well? I don’t drink alcohol very often so when I have traveled with those that do, I have to purchase the package as well. I end up trying various drinks, having a few sips then the rest goes to waste or to whomever I am traveling with.
It looked as if the vlogger didn't use the actuator inside the bathroom to close the door. It closes the door AND flags the bathroom as occupied. (Red light displays outside.) A bit surprising of an omission, there.
The casino was strategically placed. They want you to walk thru hoping you will spend money and gamble. It is brilliant design. Agreed the drink package cutoff is BS. Not having a gala "Midnight Buffet" is also BS. Door buttons are stupid. You are 100% correct on Bolt.
Is it true that your 15 drinks includes speciality coffees etc, in the limit? That would ruin it for me!
i was on the 4th sailing it was i first Cruise and i had a lot of fun
The 15 drink limit not only applies to the Cheers package. Even if you dont purchase Cheers and just pay as you go for your drinks they still will not sell you any more once you reach 15 each day. This is fleet wide, not only on the Mardi Gras.
I enjoyed the video. I would say, the drink package issue(s) are not Mardi Gras specific though. That is fleet wide. Will be sailing on her Sept 2023.
I have no desire to sail with a person that’s drank more than 15 drinks. Haha. I do agree with the smoke in the casino. It reminded me of the Legend. It has the same problem.
Hey J🙋🏾♀️ was thinking about a short Bahamas cruise, can you do a lil do's and dont's video and the best ship to take on that cruise. I want to take my mom, she needs it. 🤗
It depends what kind of experience you want. Different cruise lines and different ship sizes makes a huge difference.
Thanks for your review
I only had one drink package and I went solo. It's my 3rd solo and only one drink package on all three.
I was also on the first sailing, and I agree with most of what you said but as far as cutting through the casino, you don’t have to cut through the smoking section. There is also a non smoking section and you can cut through that side.
U can smell it all throughout tho. Just returned and it was horrible!
There’s no such thing as a non-smoking section when there is a smoking section, though. Any non-smoker who lived through the era of “non-smoking” sections of restaurants knows this. 😂
I was on the Marti Gras for Carnival’s 50th anniversary. It was a great cruise, my only complaint was the elevators being too small and there was times where we wanted to go to the Punchliner and we couldn’t get in because it was full. But there was well over 5000 passengers on the ship so it was quite crowded. But other than that, we really enjoyed the cruise. I really liked the Fortune Teller bar and I like that there’s more dining options, like if you don’t feel like dressing up for elegant night, you can go to the Chibang or the Cucina Del Capitano. I really liked the Bolt roller coaster too, it would be nice if we went around more than twice because going around twice is less than a minute but I understand that that will give everyone that wants to try it a chance to ride it.
Going through the casino is a strategy they use to pull you in . It was built that way for a reason
As much as I love roller coasters (annual pass holder BG), I don't think I would spend $15 for a single ride. Actually it would be $30 for me, can't leave my daughter just watching lol.. Carnival should definitely offer some type of package.
Agreed. I used to work at BG
Agree! My son and I did it and it was the weirdest thing. As quickly as we could enjoy it and say, “weeee this is cool!” It was over. $30 for us both to ride. That’s like a dollar a second. It is great but for a dollar a second it just feels wrong. We LOVED it. But ????
If I wanted to vacation with a roller coaster I'd take a sleeping bag to 6 flags.
Kind of scary about the extra doors that you were required to press a button to open. I’m reminded of the tragedy that was the Costa Concordia where the power went out and over 25 people were stuck in elevators and never rescued - basically the ship flooded and they were trapped and perished. Power driven doors are just another spot where evacuation problems could arise. There needs to be obvious emergency release lever where passengers could manually open the door if needed. This is surely not just a Mardi Gras issue, but a design issue for all passenger vessels. On a second note regarding the entertainment venues, ships are getting so large that spaces aren’t able to scale properly. Pandemics make the crowd issue a hazard and not just an inconvenience. Hopefully cruise companies will not continue to build these XL ships. I went on an Oasis class RCL cruise just before the pandemic and had to reserve every night’s entertainment well in advance of the cruise to be able to get in. For me having to overly schedule vacation activities makes it seem more like “to do’s” than a vacay. I also can’t imagine evacuating vessels this size. Concordia took 6 hours. There’s probably an optimum size that balances safety, passenger enjoyment and operational efficiency. Cruise lines need to carefully consider all three criteria. My 2 cents fwiw.
I just joined your channel! You were spot on about the price of the roller-coaster. $5 a pop or $15 for a package.
Exactly. Pros and cons about everything. And NCL washy washy was way before covid. Was on the Gem in 2017. I wouldn’t have minded being served at the buffet. Less hands on the tongs. I see what you’re saying about the casinos. They all always smack in the middle. Would go up or down to walk across. Ships need to start positioning casinos in the front or back so do t have to walk through. The drink package? I think 15 a day is good. Some folks get ridiculous. Didn’t get having to touch a button to open the doors like you say especially in these covid times. That bathroom door issue would be a problem. Yessssss. Good idea. $15 for 3 rides. 20 seconds is quick. Nickel and dime ing. Great video Jay.
The reason they casino's are there is to draw you kn once the shows are over .It's the same in Las Vegas and all about making money. It's a ploy they used . Some other companies like NCL and Princess do the same with some ships.
Where’s the places on the deck where you can just lay out and suntan? It’s covered with extra cost extracurricular activities.
$15 is too much for a single 20 second lap
Does it go out over the water? It would be worth it if a camera snapped your picture extended over the sea.